An emergency alert will reach phones across the nation on Sunday, September 7, and could put drivers at risk of penalties if they don’t respond correctly
On Sunday, September 7, the UK government is testing the nation’s emergency alert system by sending out a notification at around 3pm. It will cause affected phones to emit a loud, siren-like noise for around 10 seconds and vibrate as a message is displayed on the phone screen with instructions on what the alert is about and the next steps people should take.
Since this is merely a test run, people won’t need to respond to the alert and can simply dismiss it. However, drivers must remain vigilant as standard traffic rules continue to apply throughout the test.
Motoring safety specialist Sarah Jenkins warned that drivers who handle the alert while on the road face a £200 penalty and additional harsh sanctions. The My Car Reg Check expert said: “Emergency Alerts are there to save lives – but behind the wheel, the safest response is no response.
“If you hear the siren, keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Don’t risk a fine, points, or worse, an accident. Wait until you’re parked safely with the engine off before checking your device.”
She encouraged drivers to make preparations before the notification arrives. This includes making sure your handset is properly secured to a lawfully placed mount if you’re using hands-free navigation.
Be aware of the time, stay composed when the warning sounds at 3pm and resist touching your mobile. Should the alarm catch you off guard, stop somewhere safe at the earliest opportunity.
Drivers are being warned to park their cars and switch off the engine before interacting with their devices. If you have a passenger, they can dismiss the alert for you, but it’s illegal for you to interact with your device while driving.
Sarah, an expert in the field, has issued a stern warning to new drivers: “Remember six points within two years means your licence is gone.” Dismissing an alert on your phone while driving is against the law.
Motorists caught in the act face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence, leading to automatic revocation for new drivers. These fines can skyrocket to £1,500 for cars and £2,500 for lorries or buses if the case goes to court.
These laws remain in effect even when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. The only exceptions are genuine 999/112 emergency calls where it’s unsafe or impractical to stop, according to the expert.
The emergency alert system is designed to warn the public about life-threatening situations like flooding or wildfires. The Government has confirmed that all devices operating on 4G and 5G networks will be affected, with around 87 million phones in the UK potentially receiving the alert.
Since the initial test of the emergency alert system in 2023, five real alerts have been issued. This includes during major weather events like Storm Éowyn, when an alert was sent out to those in red weather warning areas where there was a risk to life.